AlanvmaxerMate I'm new to this forum having just recently joined. I don't know if anyone has answered your post elsewhere but I just thought I'd pass on my experience. I ride my Vmax which is now a trike and in early time I had the same problem. I have a 1988 Gen 1.As both 1 & 3 sit directly over the motor they are subject to heat fatigue despite the heat shield over the heads. Over time the outer coating of the coils become brittle and cracks. It may only be a hairline crack but that's enough for the coil to brake down under load and open circuit. Removal of both coils might find the hairline cracks underneath or along the sides. The bike will idle, but brake down under load.I had to replace both on mine.I hope this helps.Fitzystrike